The Board met in regular session on Thursday, March 21, with President Thomas presiding.
Red Land High School’s JROTC Color Guard presented the colors for the evening. JROTC members included Seniors Xavier Zarza and Brighton Pearson with Freshman Damien Manley.
A recording of the National Anthem performed by members of Red Land High School's 2021 Jazz Band was played.
Recognition by the Board
AgendaManager Outage Update by CAIU
David Martin, Director of Technology at the Capital Area Intermediate Unit (CAIU), provided an overview of what occured on March 14, 2024, which resulted in the public's inability to access the Board Agenda through AgendaManager.
Youth Art Month Recognition
Again this year, the District partnered with Lamar Advertising and our Partners in Education to celebrate Youth Art Month with a community-wide billboard display. Mrs. Fourhman presented each of our 18 student billboard artists with a framed copy of their billboard as a token of appreciation. A complete list of featured artists, their sponsors, and teachers can be viewed on the
District website.
Patriot's Pen Essay Contest Winner
Lydia Clouser, a sixth grade student from Crossroads Middle School, read her Patriot’s Pen essay.
Student Reports
Cedar Cliff Junior Laila Brown shared some of her school experiences with the Board.
Board Reports
Mrs. Cox provided information about the recent Board visit to Red Mill Elementary and Mr. Brinton thanked the Board for their well wishes and kind thoughts.
Opportunity for Comment on Business Items
No students addressed the Board. For a list of in person participants and electronic comments received, please refer to the Board minutes which will be approved at the April 18 Board Meeting.
Minutes
The minutes of the meetings held on February 8, 2024, and February 15, 2024, were approved.
Treasurer’s Report
The Board filed the Treasurer’s Report for the month ending February 29, 2024, showing invested and available funds of $63,244,394.22.
Communications
Legal Update
Mr. Gay indicated the latest legal update was available for Board members.
Board Reports
Business Items
Bills for Approval
The Board approved bills for the period February 7, 2024, through March 9, 2024, listing checks which totalled $2,458,148.45.
Personnel
The Board approved all personnel items as presented.
Budgetary Transfers
The Board approved the budgetary transfers as presented.
Transfer to Capital Reserve Fund
The Board transferred $5,400,000.00 of the General Fund Unassigned Fund Balance to the Capital Reserve Fund for the purpose of funding capital project expenses and/or the payment of debt services.
Capital Area Intermediate Unit 2024-2025 General Operating Budget
The Board approved the Capital Area Intermediate Unit 2024-2025 General Operating Budget as presented.
Staff Attendance at Professional Meetings
The Board approved requests for staff attendance at professional meetings as presented.
Proposal for First Amendment to Dark Fiber Lease Agreement and revised Exhibit B-2 for Windstream Communications
The District approved a lease agreement with Windstream Communications at its March 16, 2023 School Board Meeting. This lease connects our schools to the District WAN for server and internet access. The “First Amendment to Dark Fiber Lease Agreement and revised Exhibit B-2” will amend the original lease agreement to allow the District to add the new Fairview Intermediate School to our fiber network. The Board authorized the President of the Board to sign the “First Amendment to Dark Fiber Lease Agreement and revised Exhibit B-2” with Windstream.
Guaranteed Energy Savings Agreement – Fishing Creek Elementary
The Maintenance Department has been assessing the state of our building systems, determining the remaining useful life of major mechanical components, and examining the construction plans contained in our Feasibility Study to identify areas of critical need. Unfortunately, the heating plant at Fishing Creek Elementary suffered a catastrophic failure before the larger plans could address the building’s needs. The Board approved a Performance Based Energy Agreement Amendment #5 with McClure Company to upgrade the heating system at Fishing Creek Elementary School.
Natural Gas Service Agreement with UGI
Part of the boiler replacement project at Fishing Creek Elementary includes a conversion from fuel oil to natural gas. In conjunction with McClure Company, the District engaged UGI to establish natural gas service to Fishing Creek Elementary. The Board approved a Natural Gas Service Agreement with UGI for Fishing Creek Elementary School.
Intermediate School Change Orders
The Board accepted the Old Trail and Fairview Plumbing Change Orders #2 and #3 respectively, and approved Fairview General Contract Change Order #7 and Old Trail Site Contract Change Order #11.
Agreement for Water Line Relocation with PA American Water
The Board approved the Agreement for Water Line Relocation with PA American Water.
Additional Approval for Educational Services - CAIU
In certain circumstances, it is necessary to contract with other programs and schools to provide educational services for those students whose needs cannot be met in a regular school setting.The Board approved a contract for ELD services for the remainder of the 2023-2024 school year.
Information Items
Student Success
Mr. Gay reviewed PSSA and Keystone Exam data from the previous school year, highlighted student achievements, and shared information related to the District's past and ongoing plans to support students and prepare them for success after graduation.
Click here to view his presentation.
English Language Arts & Science Resource Adoption
Mr. Harrison and Dr. Jones shared information about the process used to select the recommended English Language Arts (Grades K-8) and Science (Grades 5-8) resources which will be on the April 18 Board Meeting agenda for adoption.
Recognition of Public
Opportunity for Comment on General Items
No students addressed the Board. For a list of in person participants and electronic comments received, please refer to the Board minutes which will be approved at the April 18 Board Meeting.